Quotable Quotes

This is a continually updated place for lovely bits of writing from great works. These are not the to be or not to be's of the literary universe. You already know that it was the best of times and the worst of times, and you've probably figured out that it's a far, far better thing you do than you've ever done. If you don't already know that happy families are all alike and the quality of mercy is not strained, this isn't the place to find out.

Sometimes we're moved to read a book because of a recommendation from a friend or trusted reviewer; more often, the recommendation is the work itself. Someone will repeat a beautiful passage, and we'll want to see for ourselves what the rest of the book is like (or, if we've already read it, wonder how the heck we missed that). This is a corner where the books get to speak for themselves, and where you can listen to them without having to go to all the trouble of reading them yourself to hear the good parts until and unless you're moved to do so.

• Middlemarch
• Pride and Prejudice

Got a question or comment?
Write to the Book Lady.